After viewing the documentary “Counted Out” on March 10, Branson’s math club met to discuss a question: What if the reason students often struggle with math is not their ability, but how we teach it?
The screening, held in the school theater, was followed by a student-led discussion on why students struggle with math, focusing on rigid teaching structures, unsupportive environments and disparities in education. Participants explored ways to make the subject more accessible and engaging for all students.
“Math uses a lot of random notation people can’t understand — it seems intimidating and drives them away,” said math club co-leader Owen Xu ’25. “We need to help them connect it to something they can relate to.”
“Counted Out” examines how mathematics powers the world around us while highlighting inequalities in how the subject is taught to different students.
“There is no one who can’t become good at math,” said math club co-leader Emmanuel Katz ’25, who also an editor-in-chief of The Blazer, pointing out that these issues are systemic rather than personal. “A lot of it is just not good teaching, which makes students think they are the problem. We need students to build their confidence.”
Math club adviser Gayatri Ramesh agrees, believing engagement is key to unlocking mathematical understanding.
“If we can give something they can relate to, they will feel more engaged with the concept,” Ramesh said. She added that critical thinking skills are difficult to develop when students are “still stuck on the basics.”
The discussion also touched on how educational approaches might limit student potential.
“Lots of schools will force their students into the same entry-level math — making those who haven’t yet done that level of math before feel behind and bad about themselves,” Katz said. “It limits people’s passion.”
For some members of math club, personal experience has influenced their perspective on educational equity. Xu shared how his own academic journey helped shape his views on creating supportive learning environments.
“I was really bad at English before coming here, but at Branson, there is a bigger enthusiasm for writing, so I became a pretty decent writer,” Xu said. “Teachers are there to help cultivate passion.”
